Decision Details

Implemented

Results of the Task and Finish Group on Procurement

Yes

Report of the Assistant Cabinet Member for Economic Development

Tue 13 Jul 2021

To inform members of the findings of the Task and Finish Group and agree the recommendations set out in the Procurement Strategy Document

Operations

Approved budget

Yes

Not Applicable

Mark Fisher

Equality Impact Assessment

 

Committee

Cabinet

Yes

Yes

No

No

Better use of added value, procurement processes, social value and local supply chains could improve the opportunities for those living and working in East Suffolk.
As a major spender in the local economy, the Council has an ability to local benefit in a way that is not currently fully understood or measured. The proposals in this paper would ensure that this local benefit can be maximised.
Proposed changes will ensure that local suppliers are able to bid more easily for work with East Suffolk Council. 
A social value measurement tool – such as the Social Value Calculator – will enable ESC to measure the wider benefit of it’s spending in areas such as the local economy, and the environment.
Working with internal and external stakeholders – including members – in a more proactive way, and starting earlier on procurement processes, means that the procurement process will help the council deliver its strategic objectives more easily.
A cross departmental project will improve the communication between teams, and encourage a more collaborative approach to procurement. 

To be confirmed

Maintain the current position with a mainly traditional procurement process with ad hoc pockets of innovation, Social Value, and integration with Strategic Aims.

That the recommendations of the Member and Officer based Task and Finish Group be approved, which are:
1) Approving the action plan and outcomes in Task and Finish Group Report ( Appendix 1)
2) Creating a cross departmental project – to include consultation with members -  to produce:
a) Revised procurement processes that support the new policy
b) a Social Value and Sustainable Procurement Policy linked to our Strategic Plan to
embed social value as a keystone to all council activity and
c) implement the action plan attached to the report
3) That as part of the work of the project group, a social value calculator tool is identified
and purchased to inform decision making, with a maximum budget of £50k
4) That East Suffolk Council commissions work from the East of England Local Government Association to carry out a review of procurement processes, and a ‘health check’ to identify any changes that need to be made to implement the new policy.

None 

None